An in-depth training exercise workbook will also be provided on Q Day 1

At 8:00 am attendees are welcome to coffee, baked goods and fruit. Classes at the Academy of Coffee Excellence generally run from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Lunch will be provided each day.

What is Q Grader License Course and Exam all about?

A Q Grader Course and Exam is a 6 Day course designed to critically evaluate a broad sensory analysis skillset. The first 3 day period involves some teaching of the subject matter and a practice test version of each of the 19 exams that will be taken over the second 3 day period. The 19 exams are designed to evaluate competency and sensory acuity in a number of areas closely associated with coffee cupping and grading.

What is an Active Q Grader?

An active Q Grader puts in the effort to maintain their calibration to the Q Community by calibrating their skills every 36 months with a 1-Day, 3-Table official exercise.

Q Graders are accredited coffee cuppers, licensed by CQI, and are the backbone of the Q Coffee System developed by the Coffee Quality Institute or CQI. CQI is the charitable trust of the Specialty Coffee Association that provides coffee quality improvement aid services in coffee producing countries around the world.

Q Graders objectively grade and score coffee as Specialty Grade, or not. Scores and technical reports are communicated throughout the supply chain with the intended goal of increasing the supply of Specialty Grade coffee.

In the Q Coffee System, coffee producers submit samples to CQI via one of CQI’s authorized In-Country Partners for the purpose of independent quality evaluation. Those samples are evaluated by 3 similarly qualified coffee cuppers, called Active Q Graders. They rate the coffee based on its physical appearance as green coffee and characteristics when cupped following strict protocols set by the Coffee Quality Institute and the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

Who should pursue the Q?

By itself, the Q Grader License has become a widely successful gold standard of competency among those who cup coffee. Q Graders impact on the Specialty Coffee Industry has been tremendous. The Q Grader curriculum is designed as a certification course for those who routinely taste and evaluate coffee as a part of their profession.

The Q Grader License exams are recommended for any coffee professional who routinely evaluates the quality of coffee: coffee producers (farmers), coffee importers and exporters, green buyers, roasters, quality control personnel and baristas can benefit from what they learn about coffee and themselves from the Q Grader License series of exams.

What If I Need Re-Take Exams?

If you start your Q Grader process with the Academy of Coffee Excellence there is no charge for Re-Take Exams offered as part of this or future Q Courses. However, there are limitations on how many Re-Take Candidates can join this or any Q Course. If you are seeking a Re-Take Exam only, please email Todd@wcoffee.com for availability and pricing.

What If I Do Not Pass My Q Exams?

Although thousands of coffee professionals pursue the accreditation each year, only about 60% or so pass and obtain their license in their first attempt. It is not uncommon to need a retake for one or more of the exams. If you do not pass the exams on your first attempt, you do not need to repeat the entire course, merely the exam or exams that you need to retake. Since the exam series is offered all over the globe, you may take your retakes at a lab that is conveniently located to where you are currently located. If you have started your Q Grader process with the Academy of Coffee Excellence there is no charge for Re-Takes at a Q Course taught in the Academy of Coffee Excellence. If you require retake exams, you have up to 18 months from the original course date to complete or retake all outstanding exams to earn your Q Grader License. You may join 2 additional Q Courses from your original Q Course while pursuing your retake exams. Each License is valid for 36 months, after which time a calibration course must be taken in order to remain active.

Q Course Registration Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations within 30 days of the start of the course are non-refundable

Cancellations 31+ days prior to the start of the course will be refunded at 90% (the 10% covers the credit card processing for the charge and return) if the seat can be filled.

Cancellations 31+ days prior to the start of the course will be refunded at 50% if the seat cannot be filled.